Geometric variational problems have been studied by mathematicians for more than two centuries. The theory of minimal submanifolds, for instance, was initiated by Lagrange in 1760. Minimization principles have been extremely useful in the solution of various questions in geometry and topology. Most recently, and remarkably, minimax principles and unstable critical points have given us new tools and played a key role in the solution of old problems.

Many basic questions about existence and regularity remain to be solved. Recent advances suggest this is an exciting time for the field. This program will cover a variety of topics, including minimal submanifolds, harmonic maps, Willmore and constant mean curvature surfaces, eigenvalue extremal problems, systolic inequalities, connections with phase transition partial differential equations and others. The goal of the program is to develop further the variational theory of these objects and to find new connections between the themes.

There will be two workshops during the academic year. The term I workshop will be November 5-9, 2018. The term II workshop will be March 4-8, 2019.

Any questions? Please email sy@ias.edu and in the subject line reference the name and dates of the special year.